PAIGE WOKE up to an empty house, Jenessa must've left already to drop Kate, Gabbie and Caitlin at the airport, good riddance in her opinion.

The blonde made herself some bacon and eggs, plopping onto the couch and turning on some random show. Buzz! Her phone began vibrating, Geno's contact popping up.

"Yo Gramps, whats up?"

"You and Jenessa have a gatorade photoshoot together in 2 days."

"And why didn't we get to talk this over?"

"Because you two haven't posted, gone to events, nothing. The media is starting to wonder if your relationship is real."

"Well it ain't, i'm sick and tired of this Coach."

"Paige, this isnt up for negotiation, you two need to figure out your crap, it's affecting your guy's playing and we all see it."

Geno hung up, making Paige let out an annoyed groan, throwing her head back on the couch. Just then, Jenessa walked in with a frown on her face. "Whats your deal?" Paige asked, referring to her mood. "I just left my best friends again dude, what do you think." Jenessa snapped, she was done playing nice when all she received back was hate from the Bueckers girl.

"Damn, alright. We've got a gatorade photoshoot in 2 days just so you know." Paige held her hands up defensively. "K, whatever." The brunette replied, slamming her door behind her.

Paige didn't see her for the rest of the day.

Jenessa and Paige walked into the shoot, seeing many people running around setting it all up, they immediately got ushered to hair and makeup. Jenessa's long hair was slicked back into a high ponytail, light makeup applied to touch up her skin, she glanced over to see Paige's front stranded being dutch braided into a low ponytail, her signature look.

They came in Nike workout clothes, per request. Jenessa in a forest green tight long sleeve and black basketball shorts, Paige in a plain white tee and navy blue basketball shorts. "Alright, we're going to spritz you guys with this water, it's dyed green with food dye so be careful of your eyes." A woman spoke, holding up a spray bottle.

They both nodded, shutting their eyes as they felt the cold water hit their skin. The director threw gatorade towels around the girls necks, telling them to stand back to back.

Paige and Jenessa had to act as if they were in a happy relationship throughout the whole shoot, laughing and teasing in between shots. "Alright, how about one where Paige is wiping the sweat off Jenessa's forehead with the towel?" The director instructed, Jenessa turning to face Paige, the blonde delicately bringing the towel to her forehead, pretending to wipe off sweat which was really just water.

Jenessa's heart was thumping out of her chest at the proximity, having to remind herself the two were in front of about 20 people. "You look stupid." Paige whispered, a smirk on her lips as Nessa rolled her eyes. "Thanks blondie." She replied, her tone dry.

"In like, a deer kind of way, staring up at me like that." Paige mumbled again, making Jenessa lick her suddenly dry lips. "Yeah? You miss having me underneath you huh?" She egged on, her brow twitching, catching Paiges eyelids lowering, eyes growing lustful.

"Too bad you fucked up." The brunette quipped once they yelled cut, moving away and walking over to the stylist so she could get the water off her face. Paige stood, like an idiot, realizing she just got played with.

Jenessa was over at Nika and Ines's place, Ines and Jenessa watching some romcom while Nika cleaned up their dorm. "Babe, stop cleaning and come watch." Jenessa laughed, watching Nika turn on the sink and pour dishwasher on a plate.

"I cant rest knowing the kitchens dirty, I'll be done in a bit." Nika dismissed, waving her hand. "You're such a mom." Ines booed, a pout on her lips as she sprawled on the couch. "Real." Jenessa laughed.

new imessage!

sista4life 🩷

nessaaaa

how are you?

havent talked in a bit

nessa babes 🤍

im alright

i miss you already

sista4life 🩷

i miss you too

why just alright?

nessa babes 🤍

the usual

this whole thing with paige is honestly starting to fuck with my mental health

sista4life 🩷

you arent like

having those kinds of thoughts again are you?

nessa babes 🤍

nono

not that bad

just

idk

it's like a constant loop and im stuck in it

i lay in my bed at night staring up at my ceiling

million things in my head like im crazy or something

sista4life 🩷

i get that, just do your best to shake it off

you are an insanely strong girl JJ

you will push past this, you're in a rough spot

but im here for you

please talk to me whenever you need, especially if things get worse

nessa babes 🤍

thank you i love you

and i will, dont worry about me too much

worry about how we're going to kick your ass in the final four when we both make it 😛

sista4life 🩷

AYE

Jenessa laughed as her phone blew up with threats from Caitlin, the brunette knowing all to well how to push her competitive buttons. "Who you texting and giggling like that?" Ines teased, leaning over to sneak a glance at her phone.

"Just Caitlin." She shrugged, shutting off her phone and looking at Ines. "Is there somethin' going on with you two?" She suggested, wiggling her eyebrows. Jenessa's eyes widened. "What? God no, she's my best friend." She laughed.

"Okay.." Ines dragged it out, making Jenesssa look away, beginning to question things. "Why- why do you ask?" She hummed, almost uncertain and afraid to ask. "Friends don't look at friends like you two do."

"I think that's just how we are." Jenessa shrugged, she'd questioned her feelings towards the Iowa star sophomore year, but they had a talk about it and both admitted to underlying feelings, tried it out. In the end, they weren't a match, on both ends. Neither girl ever taking it to heart, but nonetheless a short moment they both will cherish forever.

"Either way, we all know my hearts still set on Paige. Unfortunately." She groaned, lying down and resting her head in Ines's lap.

"Hey! No cuddling without me." Nika pouted, dropping the dishes and jumping onto the couch. "You seriously getting cuddle FOMO?" Jenessa laughed. "Oh shut up."  

DENNY'S CORNER

trust the chaps will get longer again soon